Monday, June 30, 2008

Your doctor is likely to conduct a thorough physical exam and to ask questions about your medical history, including when your dry skin started, what factors make it better or worse, your bathing habits, your diet, and how you care for your skin.

You may have certain diagnostic tests if your doctor suspects that your dry skin is the result of an underlying medical condition, such as hypothyroidism.

Through examination and tests, your doctor may determine that your dry skin is, in fact, a sign of another skin condition. Related dry-skin conditions include:

* Keratosis pilaris. Keratosis pilaris causes small, acne-like bumps, which usually appear on the upper arms, legs or buttocks; they usually don't hurt or itch. The bumps create rough patches and give skin a goose flesh or sandpaper appearance. Typically, patches are skin colored, but they can, at times, be red and inflamed. * Ichthyosis vulgaris. Sometimes called fish scale disease or fish skin disease, ichthyosis vulgaris develops when skin cells fail to shed normally and instead accumulate in thick, dry scales. The scales are small, polygonal in shape and range in color from white to brown. Ichthyosis vulgaris may also cause scalp flaking and deep, painful fissures on your palms and soles. * Asteatotic eczema (eczema craquele). This condition causes dry, scaly, deeply fissured skin that some doctors have described as resembling cracked porcelain or a dry riverbed. The affected skin may become inflamed, itchy and may bleed. * Psoriasis. A frustrating and sometimes disfiguring skin condition, psoriasis is marked by reddened skin with dry, silvery scales that sometimes resemble dandruff. In severe cases, your skin may crack, bleed and form pus-filled blisters. Psoriasis is a persistent, chronic disease that tends to flare periodically, and although it may go into remission, it usually remains active for years

Most cases of dry skin respond well to self-care measures. See your doctor if:

* Your skin doesn't improve in spite of your best efforts * Dryness and itching interfere with sleeping * You have open sores or infections from scratching * You have large areas of scaling or peeling skin

Dry skin is a nearly universal problem, but certain factors make you more likely to develop tightness, flakiness and fine lines. These factors include:

* Your age. As you age, your skin tends to become drier because your oil-producing glands become less active. Your complexion can appear rough and dull. The lack of oil also causes cells to clump together in flakes or scales. * Your sex. Although everyone's skin changes with age, a man's skin tends to stay moist longer than a woman's does. Men experience a relatively small decrease in oil production until well into their 80s, whereas women's skin tends to become much drier after menopause. * Sun exposure. Like all types of heat, the sun dries your skin. Yet damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation penetrates far beyond the top layer of skin (epidermis). The most significant damage occurs deep in the dermis, where collagen and elastin fibers break down much more quickly than they should, leading to deep wrinkles and loose, sagging skin (solar elastosis). Sun-damaged skin may have the appearance of dry skin.

* Weather. In general, your skin is driest in winter, when temperatures and humidity levels plummet. Winter conditions also tend to make many existing skin conditions worse. But the reverse may be true if you live in desert regions, where summer temperatures can top 110 F and humidity levels sink to 10 percent or less. * Central heating and air conditioning. Central air and heating, wood-burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces all reduce humidity and dry your skin. * Hot baths and showers. Frequent showering or bathing, especially if you like the water hot and your baths long, breaks down the lipid barriers in your skin. So does frequent swimming, particularly in heavily chlorinated pools. * Harsh soaps and detergents. Many popular soaps and detergents strip lipids and water from your skin. Deodorant and antibacterial soaps are usually the most damaging, as are many shampoos, which dry out your scalp.

Other factorsOther factors, including certain diseases, can significantly alter the function and appearance of your skin. These include:

* Psoriasis. This skin condition is marked by a rapid buildup of rough, dry, dead skin cells that form thick scales. * Thyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism, a condition that occurs when your thyroid produces too little thyroid hormones, reduces the activity of your sweat and oil glands, leading to rough, dry skin. * Alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and caffeine can visibly dry your skin. Prescription drugs such as diuretics, antihistamines and isotretinoin (Accutane) also have a drying effect. * Dehydration. Severe diarrhea and vomiting, a high fever, profuse sweating during exercise or simply not drinking enough liquids can cause your body to lose more fluid than you take in. One of the first signs of dehydration is skin that has lost its elasticity.

What do you remember best from your last vacation: the tropical beaches, the historical ruins, the exotic wildlife? Or are your memories of the food poisoning you got from that first dinner, or of spending the night in a strange emergency room after spraining your ankle? Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than getting sick or injured. Here's a look at the six most terrifying travel risks—and how you can prevent them.

Whatever your vacation plans this summer, watch out for these three frightening risks.

Diarrhea. Sometimes termed turista or Montezuma’s revenge, it’s common for travelers visiting foreign countries to feel ill after drinking the local tap water or eating food prepared with poorly sanitized water. As many as half of all international vacationers will develop diarrhea (usually during the first week of their trips), The best way to prevent it is to drink only bottled water or boil local tap water. Also beware of fruits and vegetables that may have been rinsed with local water.

Blood clots. Sitting still for long flights, like those to Europe, Asia, and Australia, can cause a dangerous condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It develops when a blood clot forms in the leg or thigh and, in very serious cases, travels through the bloodstream, possibly getting stuck in the brain, lungs, or heart, People with high blood pressure and diabetes are at greatest risk. One way to help prevent it is by walking, even very short distances up and down the plane aisles, before and during the flight.

Accidents. The State Department estimates that more than 200 American citizens die in traffic accidents abroad each year. Remember, other counties have different safety laws than the United States. For example, cars may lack seatbelts, or boats may not be required to keep life jackets on board. If you’re driving a rented vehicle, research the local rules before you get there: Which side of the road do they drive on? Who has the right-of-way at traffic circles? Is it customary to honk when going around a sharp bend?

Dry skin is often just a temporary problem — one you experience only in winter, for example — but it may be a lifelong concern. And although skin is often driest on your arms, lower legs and the sides of your abdomen, this pattern can vary considerably from person to person. What's more, signs and symptoms of dry skin depend on your age, your health status, your locale, the amount of time you spend outdoors, and the cause of the problem.

If you have dry skin due to normal aging, you're likely to experience one or more of the following:

* A feeling of skin tightness, especially after showering, bathing or swimming * Skin that appears shrunken or dehydrated * Skin that feels and looks rough rather than smooth * Itching (pruritus) that sometimes may be intense * Slight to severe flaking, scaling or peeling * Fine lines or cracks * Redness * Deep fissures that may bleed

It's time for me to get into blogging again. And this time I want to concentrate posting about health. So here is a post about Dry Skin.

Ordinary dry skin (xerosis) usually isn't serious, but it can be uncomfortable and unsightly, turning plump cells into shriveled ones and creating fine lines and wrinkles. More serious dry skin conditions, such as the inherited group of disorders called ichthyosis, can sometimes be disfiguring enough to cause psychological distress.

Fortunately, most dry skin results from environmental factors that can be wholly or partially controlled. These include exposure to hot or cold weather with low humidity levels, long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, and excessive bathing.

Chronic or severe dry skin problems may require a dermatologist's evaluation. But first you can do a lot on your own to improve your skin, including using moisturizers, bathing less and avoiding harsh, drying soaps.

Although it may not be possible to achieve flawless skin, the following measures can help keep your skin moist and healthy:

* Moisturize your skin. Moisturizers provide a seal over your skin to keep water from escaping. Thicker moisturizers work best, such as over-the-counter brands Eucerin and Cetaphil. You may also want to use cosmetics that contain moisturizers. If your skin is extremely dry, you may want to apply an oil, such as baby oil, while your skin is still moist. Oil has more staying power than moisturizers do and prevents the evaporation of water from the surface of your skin. * Use warm water and limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time to about 15 minutes or less, and use warm, rather than hot, water. * Avoid harsh, drying soaps. If you have dry skin, it's best to use cleansing creams or gentle skin cleansers and bath or shower gels with added moisturizers. Choose mild soaps that have added oils and fats, such as Neutrogena, Basis or Dove. Avoid deodorant and antibacterial detergents, which are especially harsh. You might want to experiment with several brands until you find one that works particularly well for you. A good rule of thumb is that your skin should feel soft and smooth after cleansing, never tight or dry. * Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin. Immediately moisturize your skin with an oil or cream. * Use a humidifier. Hot, dry indoor air can parch sensitive skin and worsen itching and flaking. A portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace adds moisture to the air inside your home. Portable humidifiers come in many varieties. Choose one that meets your budget and any special needs. And be sure to keep your humidifier clean to ward off bacteria and fungi. * Choose fabrics that are kind to your skin. Natural fibers such as cotton and silk allow your skin to breathe. But wool, although it certainly qualifies as natural, can irritate even normal skin. When you wash your clothes, try to use detergents without dyes or perfumes, both of which can irritate your skin.

If dry skin causes itching, apply cool compresses to the area. To reduce inflammation, use a nonprescription hydrocortisone cream or ointment, containing at least 1 percent hydrocortisone. If these measures don't relieve your symptoms or if your symptoms worsen, see your doctor or consult a dermatologist.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Haven't post any on this blog for few days. Right now it's time to catch up. We have a really nice weather here today. Suppose to stay this way through the weekend. Temperature was at the 90's, and is still warm outside. Been running today everywhere, house hunting, we end up at the river front. I tool some picture. I haven't download them. When I get the chance I will be sharing it here sometimes. Anyway. Had a great time today. It was relaxing day. Hope you 'all had a wonderful day as well.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Don't we want to look presentable everyday? Either staying home or going somewhere. We all want to look great. This is a step by step routine which should take an hour and leave you looking beautiful for school or work!

Get up an 1 hour & a half before you need to be ready. Stretch your arms, legs and neck. Get in the shower and wash yourself with a body gel and a body loofah. Follow up with exfoliating and shaving if needed. Shave near the end of the shower, so that the hair has a chance to soften (it'll help with the razor burn and the shave in general). Wash your hair with a good shampoo suited to your hair. Then use conditioner. Try to leave the conditioner in for 2 minutes. When you get out of the shower, apply body lotion. Wash your face with oil free cleanser suited to your skin type and warm water. Dry with a clean cloth and apply toner with a cotton bud and an oil free moisturizer. Check your eyebrows. If they have some hairs growing out of place, pluck them. Now its time to get dressed. Make sure your outfit is totally you and fashionable! Time for makeup. For teens, concealer to cover blemishes and under eye circles, tinted moisturizer with SPF or powder, curl lashes and apply a coat of clear or black mascara and a slick of lip gloss for a natural look. Don't wear heavy foundation or too much eyeliner or eyeshadow. Blow dry your hair, then style it. Loose curls for long hair achieved with a good quality curler is suitable for school and also looks gorgeous. If you have a bad hair day, brush it into a ponytail and cover greasy roots with a headband. After eating breakfast, brush your teeth well and floss. If you are worried about bad breath, use mouthwash. Listerine pocket packs are great for on the go breath fresheners. Spray a little bit of perfume or body spray. Do not saturate yourself with it otherwise you'll smell too strong.

* Eat breakfast! It'll give you the energy you need for the day. A healthy meal would be a glass of milk or orange juice, a bowl of grain cereal or cereal with fruit, a piece of toast and a fresh, nutritious orange. * If you don't like eating in the morning, try to get into the routine of eating your evening meal a few hours earlier and gradually get into the routine of eating breakfast starting with something light like a smoothie and crackers. Breakfast is too important of a meal to skip. It will give you energy throughout the morning and curb your appetite for a large lunch it also helps with bad breath, because if you don't eat breakfast 9 times out of 10 your breath is going to stink so eat up! * Drink 8 glasses of water. It might sound like a cliché, but it's true! Always carry a water bottle filled with water. It will help you feel energized, keep your voice strong and loud and keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful. * Unless your hair is extremely oily, don't use shampoo every day, use conditioner instead. The shampoo dries your hair out, but conditioner makes your hair soft and pretty.

* Don't wash your hair everyday because it will dry your hair out. * You don't need makeup all the time. * Remember you are beautiful!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

It's summertime, and the living is easy—but eating healthfully can be hard. Some of the season's most popular foods, like potato salad and fried chicken, contain massive amounts of calories and fat, while others, such as hot dogs, boast ingredients that may be downright dangerous. How can you avoid the most frightening hot-weather fare?

Daiquiris. These refreshing libations may seem like a good way to cool down on a hot summer's day, but a single daiquiri packs more than 300 calories (70 more than a scoop of strawberry ice cream) and loads of sugar. If you're looking for slimming summer cocktails, opt for wine spritzers or sangria—and steer clear of other diet-deadly drinks, like piña coladas, Long Island iced teas, and wine coolers.Snow Cones. This cool, colorful treat may look low-calorie (after all, it's basically a big chunk of ice), but looks can be deceiving. Thanks to the sugary syrup and flavorings, snow cones contain a whopping 550 calories per 12-ounce serving—and they're devoid of any nutritional value. Other empty-calorie summer culprits include taffy, cotton candy, and fried dough.Cool Whip. With only 25 calories and 1.5 grams of fat per serving, this ubiquitous dessert topping has a reputation for being diet-friendly. But look a little closer at the label, and you'll find that it's far from nutritious. Cool Whip actually contains both high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated vegetable oil (that's code for "trans fat"), an ingredient that could increase your chances of developing coronary artery disease.

I have been tagged by a co-blogger friend Straight From The Heart who had been tagged by Mommy Ruby from PMO . This tag is very unique and meaningful, so thank's mommy Elvz for this tag.

The Flame of Friendship.A symbol of spirit of unity.The burning icon of love.Undying picture of hope.The hot symbol of oneness.The Flame of Friendship.

And now it’s your turn to flame yourself!

Meet new friends. Discover friendship. Make bonds.Copy this post starting from the PICTURE ABOVE to the endand add your blog on the list below.Let’s start FLAMING!

The People Who Accepted The Flame of Friendship———————————————————–

Tiklaton: We are the witness.Janeth Vicy’s Life Journey.A Simple Life.Hailey's DomainHailey's Beats and BitsMOMEMOPinay Mommy OnlineStraight from the HeartAgainst All Odds(now, you follow!)OOOPSS!! Don’t forget to invite your friends!

You might be tempted to try home cholesterol tests purchased from a pharmacy or online. But are they safe and accurate?

When the heart’s blood vessels become clogged with cholesterol, it sets the stage for a heart attack, and this year, nearly half a million Americans will die from heart disease. What's more, due in part to rising obesity rates and the popularity of fast food, heart-attack victims are getting younger and younger. It should come as no surprise, then, that high cholesterol is increasingly being referred to as a “silent killer.”

Stay Home or Leave It to the Lab?An estimated 105.2 million American adults have total blood cholesterol values of 200 mg/dL and higher, and of these, about 36.6 million have levels of 240 or above. In adults, total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or higher are considered high risk, while levels from 200 to 239 mg/dL are considered borderline-high risk.

If you’re 20 years of age or older, your cholesterol levels should be tested every five years and possibly more often if you already have high cholesterol. With medical costs rising, you might be tempted to try home cholesterol tests purchased from a pharmacy or via the Internet. But are they worth it?

Home cholesterol tests are generally 95 percent accurate, which approved in such tests 1993. The home accuracy rates are on par with the rates of professional lab exams. The FDA also points out that home tests claiming to be “traceable” to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may be more accurate than others.

The D.I.Y DownsideThat said, home cholesterol tests don’t come without their problems. Most of them measure only total cholesterol, not your full cholesterol profile, which includes HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. Plus, it’s always best for a doctor to review test results in conjunction with your other risk factors, such as family history, nutritional habits, age, and gender, to make a truly informed diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Whats’s more, to get an accurate reading, patients need to fast before their test. But all too often, patients forget to stop eating without their doctor's’ instruction.

Perhaps most surprisingly, although home tests may be faster and more convenient, they might not offer much of a savings after all. Nowadays, home cholesterol tests cost anywhere from $15 for a standard kit to $200 for sophisticated digital monitoring. Meanwhile, full-profile tests conducted at the doctor’s office and any needed follow-up tests cost about $30 each. In addition, most health insurance companies cover those costs but home kits are not covered.

For these reasons, most experts recommend skipping the at-home tests. You may save some time, but taking a trip to the doctor is still the best way to gauge your cholesterol levels and reduce your disease risk.

Monday, June 23, 2008

"I've been dumped." No one wants to hear that from their best friend. Want to know how to make them smile?

Let them get all their anger out. Let them cry and sob. Let them punch pillows. Be totally on their side and say that it is the other person's loss and they're not worth it, they're better off without that person, they always deserve better, etc. Do something spontaneous that will make them laugh. For example, make a "get lost in the hall and meet your ex" survival kit. Include things that will make them laugh. Encourage them to think about the positive aspects of their break up - e.g. - more freedom, the chance to meet a new person for a fresh and exciting relationship, more money to spend on themselves, nobody to answer to. Tell them that many great works of art have been born out of pain and anguish - especially the kind of pain and anguish delivered upon us by our boyfriends/girlfriends. If they're not creative then suggest that they become creative in order to express the way they feel. Talking is good - and a form of creativity - but it's good to write, sing, paint...if they have any hobbies, passions then suggest they immerse themselves in them for a while. There's nothing better for the healing process than feeling that the blow you've suffered has actually had a positive outcome. Exercise works wonders. Just think how your ex will feel when he sees your new impressive physique - and maybe even the attractive new boyfriend/girlfriend you have as a result of that physique...but what's even more important is the proven positive effect that exercise has on the body and mind. Take your friend to the gym. Discourage them from thinking that all women/men are evil or fickle. Not everyone is evil, when just one person hurts you. Discourage them from feelings of guilt. At some they're bound to start thinking 'I was a bad person,' or 'I'm a bad person - that's why he/she dumped me. Why did I say that? Why did I do that? I'm scum. I should call him/her up and let them know that I've finally come to terms with my own vile nature - maybe if he/she sees that I'm no longer in denial they'll believe I'm willing to change...' This is a bad idea. If they've dumped you - they're probably no longer concerned with whether you can change or not. And besides - they've heard it all before...right? Your friend may feel that they've finally learned their lesson - and that's a positive thing - but tell them they should try and apply what they've learned to a new relationship. Remind them that they're likely to start putting their ex on a pedestal, focusing only on the good stuff and filtering out the bad. Nobody is perfect, and no relationship is perfect - so helping your friend focus on or remember those imperfections will keep them grounded in reality. Recommend they connect to the net and begin re-connecting with their friends. Tell them it's a well known fact that time always heals. The thought that their suffering will naturally come to end one day can speed that process along. Remind them that the sooner they forget the past and start building a positive future based on today the better. Give your friend a hug. Make them laugh. To put a smile back on their faces, you just need to exercise some humour. There are different ways to achieve this, one such method is to show them mo-liu, low-b and lame things like articles on the 'WikiHow' site. (If that fails, we suggest you to vandalise the page for their sake. For immediate effect, bring up topics such as rubber duckies, red tricycles, kites stuck on a tree, or giraffe poo.. Oh, hello Edith!)

* Give the ex the silent treatment and let them know that you think they totally messed up. * Comfort your friend every time they seem down

* Don't hassle them too much - thinking that the worst thing for them is to be left alone. Ok - if they’re suicidal they need help - but if they’re not then you need to give them a bit of space to help that natural healing process take place. Let them know you're there for them if they need you and give them a call every now and again to see if they want to meet up - but don't go thinking you're going to rescue them from despair with nothing more than that fine personality of yours.

Set your expectations reasonably. If you have been sedentary for a long period of time, you will want to start out slow and go only a short distance. Find a good place to walk. Many times you can just walk around your block, but what do you do if the terrain is too steep, curvy, or just isn't what you're looking for? There are some easy solutions. You can go to your nearest high school; many schools allow town residents to walk the track when not being used. Take your car to a park if it's too far away to walk; parks are often flat and very peaceful. Pick an easy first walk. Make sure that no matter how far you get from your starting point, you are able to get back there. Walking on an oval track no more than a quarter mile around should be perfect. Pay no attention to how far you walk. It matters more that you walk for a longer period of time. Faster and farther walks will come later. Set a time. When you first start walking, decide how many minutes you will walk. Choose a length of time you know you can make. Do not worry about how short that period is. Just keep moving until you reach it. 2-5 minutes each day is a good start. That time will increase from week to week. Increase your time. Each walk, increase your walking time by thirty seconds to one minute until you are able to sustain a 10 minute walk. Again, do not fret if you can't go longer than the day before. Set the goal and keep at it and you will reach it faster than you think. After reaching 10 minutes, the increases may take a bit longer; however, try to increase your time by 5 minutes each week.

Work on speed and difficulty. After you are able to walk 45 minutes a day, you can work on speed and difficulty. Try moving off of the oval and onto the city streets: You will encounter hills and declines, and that will increase the difficulty of your walk. Determine your target and maximum heart rate. See "How to Calculate Your Target Heart Rate ". If you are under your target heart rate (THR), you need to increase walking speed for it to be beneficial; if you are above your THR, decrease your walking speed. Again, weight loss and aerobic health will come through sustained effort, not through increased speed or distance. 9. Try interval training. Walk at an increased rate for one to two minutes, then slow back to your normal rate for two minutes. Every day or two add an interval until you reach your desired total time, including rest periods. As you become more physically fit, reduce your rest periods until they are down to a minute or less.

Buy a pedometer to count how many steps you have walked each day. Write down the number of steps you have taken every night, and try to "beat" that number the next day. Walking programs often suggest 10,000 a day You can even organize yourselves into teams, perhaps with co-workers and have competitions to see which team walks the most steps over 5 weeks. Many Cell Phone Providers now offer a downloadable pedometer for GPS capable phones for a small one time fee. Swing your arms as you walk. In the beginning it is not necessary to warm up, however once you really start to put stress on your legs, you should participate in some light stretching. Walk with a good posture. Stand completely straight, put your shoulders back, and take long strides. Try to walk no less than 3 times per week. Walking 7 days a week for more than a few miles is too much. On weekends or holidays, try to increase your walking time to an hour or more. On some walks, try interval training by walking much faster for 30 to 60 seconds, then going back to your normal speed. Be sure to make notes about your walk: note your route, the weather; homes you appreciated; animals, wildlife or plant life you observed; and the thoughts and feelings you experienced. Keep them in a log along with your maximum heart rate, target heart rate, and the most time you've spent on a walk. Try using an iPod or other MP3 player to add entertainment to the walk. Books on tape make the walk go by faster and you may want to walk longer. When you are able to get, and stay, on your target heart rate, you will want to cool down a bit at the end of your walk. If you have been able to stay in the target rate for 20 minutes or so, spend about 5 minutes at the end of the walk trying to bring your heart rate back to where it was pre-walk. Slowing your pace down and doing some more light stretching can accomplish this. Do not stop walking to slow your heart rate in a cool down. It defeats the purpose of a cool down. You might find ways to incorporate walking into your daily routine if you can't find the time to go walking for the sake of it: take the stairs instead of the escalator or the lift; walk to the shops if they're close by; if you visit a friend who doesn't live too far away, leave the car at home. It's surprising how much difference it can make when you regularly climb a few flights of stairs and take frequent short walks. Remember that we live in an age that requires little physical activity. Now that we no longer toil in the fields or even (in most cases) factories, the avoidance of physical effort is not a gain, it's a loss. We should take advantage of all the small opportunities we can use to keep our bodies in shape, such as using the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Many people recognize the local mall as an excellent place to walk for exercise -- safe, fun and climate-controlled. Walking may cause cramps. If a cramp occurs, place your hands on your head and begin breathing through your nose and out your mouth at a slow steady rate. Be sure to bring a water bottle with you. If you drive, park your car a block or two away from where you live, that way you have to walk to or coming back. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy, supportive athletic shoes. Walking is a very good stress management technique in addition to being good exercise. If you practice active abdominal breathing during each step, you will benefit even more.

Before undertaking this or any other exercise program, be sure to check with your doctor, especially if you haven't been physically active in more than 6 months. Be prepared for your walk. Take water with you. Also take along a whistle in case you get into trouble with dogs or unsavory people. Carrying a cell phone is also a good idea. If you are walking and become short of breath, slow down or stop. Ask for help if you need it. Don't carry weights with you as you walk. This extra weight throws your gait out of balance. Be sure to wear proper footwear. Sandals, flip-flops, and even fashion athletics do not support the various muscles, tendons, and joints in your foot and can therefore cause strain and injury. Although using an mp3 player or radio can make your walk more interesting, it also makes it difficult to hear things around you, including potential hazards such as oncoming traffic, would-be attackers, and animals. If you like to listen to music or books while you walk, keep the volume moderate and be aware of your surroundings. Wear white clothing and reflective fabrics if you will be walking at night. Don't assume that drivers are paying attention or that they can see you after dark.

* Drink water during walks of ten minutes or more whether you feel thirsty or not. (Yes, this applies to cold weather and warm weather.) * Good, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers and thick socks. If you have thin socks you may get blisters. * A cellphone for emergencies. * A whistle to call for help should you run into trouble of the criminal type. * A hat and sunblock on sunny days.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

The "good night kiss" is one of the most romantic and exciting experiences when a couple are dating. If you've felt chemistry and you've had a great time, you're probably thinking about the good night kiss - Should you kiss her? Is she ready for it? When's the right time? Should you wait?

Walk your date to her front door or as close as she'll let you get, before deciding what to do next. Assess the situation and her behaviour; you'll need to do this quickly as you don't want to wait around forever. If she's only taken you to her front gate or doesn't even let you get that far, take it as a bad sign and maybe a good night kiss isn't such a great idea. If she has her key out of her purse, in the front door lock and you're saying goodnight to her back, this too is a bad sign. And then there's the dreaded cheek turn, where as you're going in for the kiss, she turns her head. If she's really disgusted by you, she'll turn her head so far you won't even get the cheek - you'll get the ear. Other red lights can be lips clamped or a stubborn refusal to make eye contact. Only make a move if you feel all is right.

Remember that in every goodnight kiss scenario, you've got a limited "Window of Opportunity" to make your move. Create an "awkward pause" in the conversation. Studies show that people are uncomfortable with gaps of silence in conversation, so fill it with a smile and get ready to move in for a kiss.

Keep it simple, especially if this is your first kiss with your date - that means no tongue, no special moves; just turn your head slightly to the side, lean in slowly and rock her world! You can place a hand on the small of her neck if you wish. And there it is, a successful goodnight kiss. Repeat if desired, or if you feel your date getting into it. This may lead to being invited inside, but don't count on it. She will also really like it if you keep it locked on her cheek for about 3 seconds not 3 minutes

If you want to be extra cute you could even kiss her hand or forehead, but be wary of the forehead kiss as some girls find it patronising or granddad like. When you're walking away, give a little glance back - chances are she'll be watching you go. Add comments such as "Tonight was amazing" or "I hope we can do this again sometime (And show her that you MEAN it" to make her feel special. If you feel her trying to move away or say 'No', let her, then ask her if she's ok. If she tells you "nothing" or has to think about it just say goodnight (This usually means that she doesn't feel comfortable enough to tell you about it). It may be too early for her. Never force a girl into any situation she doesn't want to be in.

Do not kiss her on the lips if you know her family is watching. She'll go in and they will yell. Don't shove your tongue down her throat. This is meant to be sweet. Keep it simple! Don't just go around kissing anyone, anytime! You may be charged with sexual assault if you make an advance on an unwilling girl. Do NOT kiss her goodnight (or first kiss her) in front of your friends or hers. Especially not yours. They will make fun of you(though granted that's only because they are all jealous).

Being the best aunt and godmother to your niece or nephew can make you feel like you're a person the child can look up to. You can be somebody to tell everything to and ask for tips or advice as they grow. You will feel that you are doing something that not many people can do.

Offer to babysit often. Play with them when they want to. Play what they want to play. * It will most likely be something their parents don't have time to do with them, like playing barbies, or with playdough. * Get down to their level, sit on the floor with them, play like your a kid too. Buy them toys and candy. * But teach them not to expect gifts all the time. They should know the best gift is your time, attention and love. * If you buy them a lot of candy, be sure to encourage good dental hygiene. Have sleep overs. * Let them stay up late. * Eat junk food for dinner. * Do fun interactive stuff together like crafts or games. Take them to parks, play grounds, and other fun places. When they get older, listen to them when they have a problem. Give advice especially when needed.

* Your money may run out if the child asks for too much, so don’t be a pushover. * If the child is an infant, get ready to be awake late at night when babysitting. * If you aren't babysitting but spending time with the kids at their parents home, give the parents a break and take them outside or do a quiet activity. You might get a little special from the parents

* The parents may ask you to babysit when you don't feel like it -- know when to say no

Small steps any woman (or man) can take to slow the aging process and live a healthier life

Exercise --The simplest and easiest way to take one necessary step toward being fit and fabulous is to exercise. I’m not talking about running to the gym five days a week, pumping iron or cycling until you drop. I’m talking about something simple that you can do at a moderate level every day. I’m talking about walking. Walking is easy to do and requires no equipment except a good pair of shoes, and can be done anywhere and at any time. A brisk pace for 45 – 60 minutes for 5 to 7 days a week can reduce fatigue, promote weight loss, lower blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, and prevent osteoporosis, diabetes and heart problems. Moderate exercise is also a de-stressor and muscle builder.

Quit Smoking--Smoking is the number one preventable cause of aging and illness in older adults. Excess deaths from cigarette smoking increase with age. Sixty percent of all smokers began by age 13. For them, aging begins at 13 and not at 30 as in non-smokers. Tobacco is the only product that when used as intended can and probably will kill you. You can add memory loss to the long list of health problems that come from smoking. Smokers may have twice the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease as do people who have never smoked. Stop now — it's never too late. If you quit smoking now, you can still reduce your risk of memory loss later in life.The fact that people who smoke develop wrinkles at an earlier age than their non-smoking counterparts seems to be due degrading enzymes A study from Ohio State University shows that using hypnosis to quit smoking is 30 percent effective in men and 23 effective in women. .. "Women seem more likely to smoke in response to stress or anxiety than men do.”

Manage Stress--Stress can make you sick and look older than your years. If you are under stress it shows in you face, in your attitude and in your sleep habits. Stress is the primary cause of insomnia, and without adequate sleep, you age much faster.Self hypnosis is an excellent way to de-stress your life. Simply distressing affirmations are available at Achieve-With-Hypnosis.

Get Enough Sleep--Most people do not get enough sleep! For nearly 40% of Americans, this time is usually filled with tossing, turning, and frequent waking. These are textbook symptoms of insomnia, the most common sleep disorder in the United States. Seven to eight hours of sleep of night is optimum, and most of us don’t get that. Without adequate sleep, when the body rejuvenates, you awaken tired, with dark circles and puffy eyes. Wrinkling Is another sign of not getting enough sleep. Sleep can be enhanced by several different activities: adequate exercise, proper eating habits, weight loss,limiting alcohol and quitting smoking. Without doing these things, sleep can be a commodity that can not be bought at any price.

Make Diet Changes--Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Many of these contain antioxidants — substances that protect and nourish brain cells. And antioxidants may help prevent cholesterol from damaging the lining of your arteries and slowing blood flow to your brain. Foods high in antioxidants include colorful fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, berries, broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes and tomatoes. Supplement your diet with high quality vitamins, herbs, and minerals.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Each year around the world only 100 people are attacked by sharks (and 25 to 30 are killed), but humans kill 30 to 100 million sharks each year. However, it’s the humans who are attacked by sharks that make headlines. What should you do if you're attacked?

• Back up. If you see a shark approaching you, get your back against the ocean wall, a reef, a pile of rocks, a friend, or diving partner. This will minimize the number of angles the shark can attack you, according to the International Shark Attack File.• Fight back. A diver in Australia was able to fight off a great white shark by hitting it with his spear gun, according to news reports of the incident. Don't play dead; show the shark that you can defend yourself.• Aim for the eyes or gills. The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook says the shark's eyes and gills are the areas most sensitive to pain. It suggests hitting the shark with anything in your possession, including a camera or your own fist, in these pain-sensitive areas.• Find a tourniquet, if bit. Surfers are at greatest risk of attack because they spend the most amount of time in the water. They're told to carry a three-foot long surgical tube to use as a tourniquet in the event of an attack. The surfboard leash or any other length of material can also be tied above a bite to stop the bleeding, if necessary.• Get out of the water. Even when fought off, sharks will often return, especially if they can smell blood. Get into a boat or to shore as quickly as possible.

Now school's out and you decide to look different when you come back. This article is here to show you how you can look absolutely gorgeous when you come back from summer vacation. Your body. Let's face it, in a sea of girls who are stick thin in their bikinis, we kinda compare ourselves to them. The thing they have, the only thing they have that you don't, is body acceptance. Now there is nothing wrong with wanting to lose a couple of pounds but don't become completely obsessed with it. What you want to do is join a sport, or just work out. If you want to join a sport, go to a few camps. It's an easy way to get in shape and meet new people. If you want to work out at home, buy a couple work out DVDs/tapes and actually do them. Also you can buy a dumbbell set and strength train. You will want to, mostly do cardeo to burn fat. So whether at a gym or at home, do 3-4 days of 30-45 minute cardeo and strength train 2 times a week. You might be sore, but it'll get better and you'll start to see results soon. Go to sleep! Your body needs time to relax and recharge after a harsh day so you need at least 7 hours of sleep. Aim for 10 if you can, but 8 or 9 is fine. Tanning. You can go lay out for 15-20 minutes a day, with sun protection on both your body and face. You can also go tanning, but that damages the skin and makes you have wrinkles. Also you can use a self tanner, which is a tan you apply. It lasts for about a week though, so you might just want to use a gradually tanning lotion. Jergens has an amazing one. On to the face! You may have flawless skin, some people do.If you want good skin, go to a dermatologist. Also, every morning and night, wash your face with a cleanser such as Cetaphil. This brand is recommended by dermatologists, but you can also use Neutrogena. Then tone your skin with witch hazel, or just treat with Clean and Clear zit treatment. Then please moisturize. You can with any face moisturizer. You might also want to try a facial, which can also be done at home, its simply steaming your face, putting on a facial masque, and rinsing it off. You can always steam your face, it opens up pores but always try to use something to get the dirt and dead skin cells out of your pores. Do NOT pick if you have acne. Nails! Do not get fake nails because it will wreck your natural nail, and we don't want that. Just make sure you take good care of the nails that you have. Keep them trimmed and filled, and always keep your cuticles pushed back. Moisturize your hands a lot. If you have ridges, buy a nail buffer and keep them buffed. If you want you can keep your nails polished. Now for hair. Let your hair grow out during the summer. Right after school goes out, get your hair trimmed, then leave it as it is for the rest of the summer. During the summer, experiment with different shampoos till you find the perfect one. Go to your salon and ask what shampoo they would recommend for your hair. You can also use Pantine, John Frieda, or just about any brand, just stay away from Suave please. You might want to get it cut to your face shape and have it colored. Clothes. You might want to spend some time working on your wardrobe. You want to get the basics, like a nice pair of dark wash jeans and a nice white t-shirt. Depending on your age, you might want to splurge on investment items, like a nice suit or a little black dress (Audrey Hepburn a la Breakfast at Tiffany's) and some nice pearls. If you're a teen just find jeans and a shirt and just shop around for what you like. Find out what looks amazing on you. Eyebrows. You might want to get them done professionally, then just pluck the stray ones. If you don't want to spend a lot, then just find your brow bone and follow that. You can find You Tube videos on how to do your eyebrows. Makeup. This depends on your skin type. If you have dry skin, you will want to stay away from mineralized makeup because it will dry you out. Normal skin (few breakouts usually once a month maybe not) then you are a lucky girl and I envy your skin, because you get to use any drugstore brand and have it not harm your gorgeous amazing skin. Combo to oily people want to find foundations and powders that are oil free. Noncomedogenic doesn't mean a thing anymore. Splurge on foundation, concealer, and powder because when you have amazing (looking) skin it'll make the rest of your makeup look flawless. Everything else just head to the drugstore unless you have a sensitivity to any product. Summer's over and it's the day before school. Give yourself a really pampering day. Don't exercise if you don't want to that day, but do yoga instead. Plan what you'll bring to school, etc. the night before, and get a really good night sleep. Soft music and herbal tea always helps me get to sleep. Also, a warm bath. It's the first day of school. Relax, and enjoy yourself, and keep up your routine, (maybe a little less) to maintain your beauty.

* Some find that they tan better moving around. * Put Vaseline on your eyelashes every night. It can also replace mascara. * Be confident! Yeah, yeah, people say it all the time. But it's true. It helps so much! * Stand up straight. Posture is a must. * Wear lip balm like a god. Put it on morning and night, and whenever else necessary. I recommend lip medex. Made by blistex. It's great. * For under eye bags, cucumbers actually do work! Also, keep some spoons in freezer, and put them under your bags for a bit, that will help reduce. * Smell good! Get some perfume. I recommend orange pop by calgone and American eagle No.77 so fresh and pretty! * SMILE!!!!!!!!

[edit] Warnings

* Be careful in the sun. Wear hats and sunglasses all the time, along with a strong sunblock. * Eat healthily. Bad foods do not help anything. * Workouts can leave you really, really sore if done too fast, wrong, or just too hard! Work your way up, don't go bananas trying to lose 10 pounds in a week.

While there's no clear, fool-proof way to decipher your feelings for someone, there are certain ways to make the distinction between love, lust and infatuation clearer for yourself.Write down everything that you associate with the person you're feeling strongly about. Example words on your brainstorm list could include love, butterflies, sex, holding hands, annoying snoring, gorgeous, etc. Circle each attribute with a different color such as red for lust, yellow for infatuation, and green for love. See which of the three feelings dominates the page. If one doesn't stand out (like if the distribution seems pretty equal), move on to the following steps for more insight.

Or is it lust?Or is it lust?Read literature on the topic. Questions about love are timeless questions that have consumed mankind throughout the ages and are a major theme in many scriptures, tales from mythology, and literature. Read the story of David and Bathsheba from the Old Testament, 1st Corinthians from the New Testament, the story of Ali and Fatima, Echo and Narcissus, or Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Ask your friends or, if you find it easier, ask a complete and utter stranger, so that you get an honest opinion and an outsider's point of view. Tell that person how you feel, and ask them if it sounds primarily like love, infatuation, or lust. Watch a movie that relates to your situation like "Cruel Intentions" (which is about lust, and wanting what you can't have), "Down to You" (which is about love and leaving it all down to the other person), "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" (which is about none of them really but it's about making a mistake and putting it right), "The Notebook," which tells a tale of life-long love and commitment, "The Phantom of the Opera" (which is about both lust and infatuation) and definitely, "Titanic" (which is about holding on to someone forever until you die - that is love - bittersweet love), also, perhaps, "The Fly" (which is about a woman who falls in love with a man who turns into a fly and then goes insane, and yet remains deeply emotionally attached through this agonizing life change - which is love) or High Fidelity (which is about learning what love really is). Yet understand, that movies are fiction that depict idealized rather than realistic love.

Keep in mind that in most relationships, you're feeling all three (love, infatuation, and lust) all at once, to some degree. To help you make tough decisions about your relationship, ask someone you trust who has lots of experience with the kind of relationship you want for yourself. For example: Say you want to be happily married to one person for life. If your parents have both been bitterly divorced three times, then they are probably not the ones to talk to. On the other hand, if they are about to celebrate their 50th anniversary of bliss together, then they may be ideal to learn from. Lasting relationships are those that are built on love - not infatuation or lust. Imagine the person you love in 50 years when they are old and fat. Would that change how you feel about them? If yes, then what you feel now is most likely lust/infatuation - not love. Friendship should also weigh into your decision to commit. In 50 years, if you don't genuinely LIKE your mate, you're going to be miserable. Remember that jealousy is not a result of love. It is more likely to be a result of infatuation, insecurity or fear of being alone. Are you in love with being in relationships? A major life-changing decision like moving in together, getting engaged or getting married should be a natural step if you love someone. It should not inspire fear.Take advantage of the post coital "moment of clarity" to examine your feelings. This is not usually the moment directly after orgasm (where most people are happy with the universe), but 5 or 10 minutes later, when your breathing and heart rate are normal. At this point, does the sex still make you feel closer to that person? Or are you beginning to feel regret and anxiety about what happened? If the latter, then it's most definitely not love but lust. Give it some time. Love takes root slowly and grows with time. Infatuation grows into full bloom almost immediately. Keep in mind that "True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be and will not be." (Unknown) What comes to mind when you think about this person. If you are not dating the person, think if you are eager to spend time with them or you just want to watch them from a distance. If you are in a relationship with the person, What do you want most out of the relationship. If you just want to consummate love to the person it is usually lust. True love is when you could love a person without ever "dropping your drawers" so to speak.

* If you're not sure about your feelings or your relationship, take things slowly. Spend time apart and see how you are feeling while you are away. Do you miss the person? Or are you more attracted to others when you are apart? * You may also want to consider the fact that it's not always as easy as being one of these three things; often there are a lot of grey areas, the distinctions are blurred, and it is very possible to feel two or even all of these feelings for a person..

Can't wait for that ultimate trip? Even if you've got few days more to go, these tips will help you survive.

Pass your time. Find something that you can really get into. On the weekends you might want to do something active, like rock climbing, or taking dancing lessons. If sports aren't your thing, try something else- whatever you enjoy doing. It's important to find something that you enjoy doing because time passes by really quickly. Consider your close relationships. If you have a boyfriend or girlfriend or really close friend, it may make you less likely to want to leave. This will be a tough situation to deal with. On the other hand, a close relationship can distract your attention. Know more about your country. Learn about its good things and what it has to offer, because when you leave, you'll appreciate your vacation a lot more, and you might learn a very valuable lesson from this. Do well in school. Hand in good quality assignments and homework and focus on your exams. If you focus hard on homework and tests, summer will come faster. Also, your parents will not be mad if you get A's all year. Spot similarities between your place and your vacation. Find things that your vacation location has to offer that your home also does. For example, if you're going to Italy, and you want to have real pizza, don't go to that Pizza Hut, but go to a classic restaurant in your city. But don't do this excessively. If you do, you won't appreciate your vacation spot as much. Countdown days until summer. This shows you that time is really passing by, fast. However, for some people, counting the days until summer arrives only makes time seem to slow down. Try forgetting about the future and get involved in the current activities. Before you know it, summer's here!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

In order to have a productive and enjoyable summer, you must first prepare. What you need to do is plan vacations if you wish to take any, but if you plan to stay in your hometown, all you need to do is relax. Summer is the best time of the year, but still, if you plan to have fun, you just need to follow a few steps.

Buy the things you'll need like sun screen or season passes to a theme park. Buy cool clothes and accesories that are IN this season so you will look totally stylish. If you're on a tight budget then stay close to home.You will feel very lazy during the summer, so don't wear a lot of makeup, but still, take care of yourself. Wear some waterproof mascara, full coverage foundation(be sure to take it off at night),add a small amount of blush to give you a shimmering glow, and don't forget lip gloss (you'll want your lip gloss that blends with your lips).Sign yearbooks. All you need to say is, "I hope you have a good summer and I hope to see you next year!" Then sign your first and last name. If you don't want to say much to a person you don't like all you need to do is just sign your first name.Buy a camera. It's good to make a photo album so you can visit memories whenever you want. Get into some classes for the summer. Don't waste this season watching TV every day. Get into crafts classes, swimming classes or even dancing classes. Anything that can keep you from spending hours watchig TV.Start working on your body. At a local gym you can play badminton, volleyball, frisbee, ping pong etc. Those are some favorites. If you aren't active much, a walk in the park will do you good. Maybe start eating healthier so you will feel your best when you wear that bikini.Get a tan. Be careful, you don't want to end up looking like a carrot. Just buy a nice spray tan from a local drugstore, but never apply it with your hands. Rent a beach house. There's nothing better than relaxing at the beach watching the ocean. Work on your confidence. There's nothing better than someone walking with her head straight up feeling her best. Plus, guys will stop to check you out.Make lots of plans ex. invite over friends, get a week to go on vacation, make plans with your boyfriend or husband

Plan out everything you will do each day.If you live in a tourist city, then you have a big advantage to stay home and visit some hot vacation spots.Don't watch TV all summer but go ahead and watch the early morning news for your weather.Have fun, after all it's your summer. Live it like you want to.If you can, invite a friend or two over everyday you want to stay in touch with them as the summer goes on if not call each other.

Do not get obsessed with losing weight.Do not over-tan or you'll look disastrous. Always wear sunscreen or you might get melanoma or worse.Don't over party.Do not spend too much money on new items. For all you know that nice outfit you saw earlier is marked down half-price somewhere else. Don't ever tan without sunblock. Don't want to get skin cancer!

We all have done things that we are ashamed of. How do we deal with them so we don't have to feel guilty forever?

Think about someone you love that did something mean to you when they were angry. Maybe you were in an argument and they called you a nasty name. Do you want them to feel guilty about that forever, or do you want them to accept forgiveness and be happy? If you love them you probably want them to be happy. Accept the fact that we cannot change the past. We can only change the future. Learn from our mistakes. We did not control our actions and it hurt people. Now we would like to control our actions in the future, because we don't want to hurt people like we did in the past. Accept the fact that we all make mistakes every day. Some mistakes are small, some are big. Tell someone. Bring it out into the light of day. Shame is debilitating. Confront it head on by telling someone what you did. Find a friend who will tell you that you can accept forgiveness. If we have grown up without a lot of forgiveness then we need to hear someone else tell us that we are forgiven. Decide whether it is a good idea to make reparations. Should we go back and apologize to people? Should we go back and repay people for their losses? The answer is usually: "Yes, we should make reparations, unless it would do more harm than good." Do the opposite of what you did bad. If you stole, give something to a charity. If you lied, tell the truth to someone when it hurts. If you cheated, treat someone with special respect.

Find a book at the library by someone who did something terrible and moved beyond it. Chuck Colson was President Nixon's righthand man. He served 18 months in jail for his crimes against the nation. Now he heads an organization committed to prison reform and inmate support and rehabilitation.

Don't expect to overcome guilt overnight. If you have lived with guilt for a long time, it may take a while to learn how to accept forgiveness.

First there were injections, then there were pumps and inhalants, soon there may be insulin patches and even pills. Learn more about new breakthroughs in diabetes treatment.

Diabetes is a complicated disease in which the body cannot create or properly use insulin, a hormone that enables the body to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy. Loss of vision and damage to nerves, blood vessels, and kidneys are all potential side effects of the disease.

Fortunately, in recent years, scientists have made several treatment breakthroughs, including the introduction of insulin pumps and inhaled insulin (Exubera). Both treatments have advantages and disadvantages, but for many diabetics, they are proving to be successful alternatives to injections that offer convenience, flexibility, and improved quality of life.

Insulin PumpsPortable insulin pumps, which deliver insulin 24 hours a day through a catheter placed under the skin, were introduced in the early 1990s. In the past two decades, the technology has evolved to the point that now they can be a good alternative to traditional injections.

"Pumps can be a very nice thing for diabetics to have,Not only do pumps inject insulin more accurately than injections; they allow the patients to feel more in control of their disease, enabling them to continue to live their lives more normally.

By continuously administering a basal rate of insulin while allowing boluses of insulin only when the patient needs it, the pump offers many diabetics increased flexibility when it comes to meal plans and greater control of their blood glucose levels. Perhaps best of all, patients donÂ’t need to schedule their lives around insulin injections.

Inhaled InsulinExubera, the first dry-powder inhaled insulin, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2006 and is used for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The medication, which delivers short-acting insulin via an inhaler, is administered two to three times a day just prior to meals, and the dosage depends on the weight of the patient.

"[Exubera] is doing very well,.ItÂ’s more convenient for patients and it doesn't have many more side effects than injected insulin." What's more, "studies on Exubera suggest that it controls blood sugar levels just as well as injected insulin."

At the same time, Robles is quick to note that this treatment isn't for everyone. Â“Exubera does have the potential for causing lung damage because of the deep inhalation process, so patients must have very strong lungs to use this medication.Â” Poff points out another drawback: "There might be an issue with the dosage of insulin because it's only inhaled. It may be hard to know precisely how much of it is actually absorbed by the lungs."

That said, Exubera users have cited additional advantages, including the size of the devices. Exubera powder packets are small, and the inhaler is about the size of a small flashlight, so patients can carry it with them in a purse or briefcase.

Pills, Patches, and BeyondAlong these lines, there are several breakthrough treatments on the horizon that may further revolutionize the way diabetics live and manage the disease. Some of the most eagerly anticipated noninvasive insulin-delivery methods include the skin patch and the insulin pill.

The insulin skin patch is currently under development. The insulin patch, when placed on the skin, will give a continuous, low dose of insulin. To adjust insulin doses before meals, users will pull off the tab on the patch to release insulin." Because it's difficult for insulin to penetrate the skin, it is believed that delivery will be aided with sound waves or an electrical current.

Insulin pills would provide insulin in tablet form, and the FDA reports that researchers are working to find a way around this approach's biggest challenge: getting insulin into the bloodstream before it is changed by normal digestive processes. Possible solutions includes using nanotechnology to coat the pills with special polymers so the insulin doesnÂ’t get broken down in the stomach.

Being active is one of the best ways to keep diabetes under control. Here, what you need to know about starting an exercise routine.

Many diabetics take pills and shots to keep their blood-sugar levels stable, but exercise is another important way to help control diabetes. Before starting a new fitness routine, diabetics should schedule an appointment with their doctor to discuss safety guidelines and to have their blood pressure, cholesterol, kidneys, eyes, and feet checked.

Tailor your workout to your health. Diabetes affects everyone differently. For example, if you have eye trouble, you may want to keep your workout inside. If you have nerve issues in your feet, swimming may be a better aerobic exercise than walking or biking. Talk to your health-care professional about which activities are best for your needs.

DonÂ’t rush it. Unless youÂ’re in a competition for a reality TV show, frequent, intense workouts could do more harm than good. Start by walking at a steady pace. Rate your workout intensity by how easily you take breaths. If youÂ’re constantly out of breath, slow it down. As your body gets stronger, increase your workout time by five to 10 minutes each week.

Warm up. Stretching and light movement help prepare the muscles for the work to come, preventing overexertion and pain.

Stay hydrated. Make sure to drink lots of water before, during, and after your workout to keep your body hydrated. Water is all you need in most cases, but if you plan to work out for more than an hour or so, the extra sugars in sports drinks will provide energy, too.

Dress properly. DonÂ’t try to sweat off the pounds. Losing water weight is unhealthy, and it increases your chances of overheating. Wear lightweight clothes in summer, and layer your clothes in winter. ItÂ’s best not to exercise outside if it is too hot or too cold.

Pay attention to your feet. Diabetics need to take special care of their feet. Wear the correct shoes for each activity to help prevent the nerve problems associated with diabetes. Be sure to check your feet after exercise, and call your doctor if you notice any problems.

Monitor your blood glucose levels. Glucose fuels your muscles, and exercise stimulates insulin, so some diabetics are at risk for low blood-glucose levels. Check your glucose levels before and after your workout. If you work out for longer than 30 minutes, be prepared to check while you exercise, too. Use this system to monitor how exercise affects your body. Try to time your workouts according to meals and insulin intake, as itÂ’s generally best to work out 1 to 3 hours after a meal.

Feeling guilty is almost as bad as feeling heartbroken or depressed. It can nag at you for ages, and ruin your fun. The best approach towards guilt is to sort it out and clear your head.Try to figure out why you feel guilty. Grab a pen and notebook, and write down a list of things that could be making you feel this way. It might be difficult, but eventually you will figure out what is making you guilty. If you can't figure it out, try this approach: Consider each thing on your list and imagine if you had not done it. If you immediately feel better or wistful, this is probably the thing which is making you guilty.Rate your guilt. This might sound stupid, but it can really help. Out of ten, make two ratings: How bad the thing is that you've done, and how guilty you feel. After this, think about why what you did was bad, and why you feel guilty about it. This should hopefully leave your mind a little clearer.Consider what you are going to do. If the guilt you feel is over something like being nasty to someone or neglecting a job or pet, feel reassured in the fact that you can do something about this. Write down what you're going to do, consider when and where, and take action. If your guilt is for something like a persons' death or a friend getting angry, acknowledge that it is not your fault, and it's natural to feel this way. Do something to relax and forget about it.

Everyone messes up sometimes. If the person that you commited the wrong to is your friend, they will forgive you in time.Try not to keep secrets from your parents. Things will only get worse if you become further apart from your parents.

Don't hold it in. It will constantly bother you all the time. The best thing to do is tell someone about it.

A healthy diet is essential to managing diabetes. Here, a complete guide to diabetic-friendly nutrition, including shopping tips, quick recipes, and more.

If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor has most likely stressed the importance of eating right to help keep your disease in check. Most experts agree that although thereÂ’s no one correct diet for diabetes, people with the disease should follow the nutritional guidelines outlined in the USDA Food Pyramid. This means paying special attention to carbohydrate intake and eating similar amounts of food at the same time each day to keep your blood-sugar levels stable.

Getting Started

If you've never attempted to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet before your diagnosis, it may be hard to know where to begin. That's why it's important to check with your doctor about the right eating guidelines for you.

Eat more starches, such as bread, cereal, and starchy vegetables. Aim for six servings a day or more. For breakfast, try cold cereal with nonfat milk or a bagel with a teaspoon of jelly. Another suggestion is to add cooked black beans, corn, or garbanzo beans to salads and casseroles.

Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Enjoy a piece of fruit as a snack, or add vegetables to chili, stir-fried dishes, or stews. Try munching on raw vegetables throughout the day as well.

Â• Eat sugars and sweets in moderation. Try to limit sweets to once or twice a week at most. If you can't pass up that dessert, be sure to split it with a friend—and make sure it's low in sugar, fat, and calories.

Shopping for Sensible Snacks

Snacks play an important role in the daily lives of diabetics. For those with type 1 diabetes and forms of type 2 diabetes that require insulin, snacks eaten between meals and before bedtime are essential to keep blood-glucose levels as close to normal as possible and to help prevent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The American Diabetes Association offers these tips for making smart snacking choices:

Sugar-free doesn't necessarily mean carb-free. Don't assume the total carbohydrate content of a sugar-free food is going to be much less than that of its full-sugar equivalent. Oftentimes, thereÂ’s not much of a difference.

"No sugar added" is no guarantee. These types of foods donÂ’t have any form of sugar added during processing or packaging, and they don't contain high-sugar ingredients. They may still be high in carbohydrates, though, so be sure to check the label.

Fat-free isn't always better. In fact, fat-free foods can be higher in carbohydrates and contain almost the same amount of calories as the foods they replace. Again, be sure to read the label carefully.

There's No Place Like Home

Preparing foods at home allows you to control the ingredients that go into your recipes. Here are some suggestions for some quick, healthy snacks you can pull together in no time at all.

Peanut Butter Grahams. Spread lowfat peanut butter on a graham cracker. Top with a banana slice, and you've just covered some of your protein and starch exchanges for the day.

Fruity Gelatin. Prepare sugar-free, fruit-flavored gelatin. Add small chunks of fruit before chilling. The gelatin is a "freebie," but depending on how much fruit you add, you may have to count this snack as a fruit exchange.

Baked Chips and Salsa. Baked chips still have carbohydrates and will count in your starch exchanges, but the salsa adds great flavor with no fat and very few calories.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

A diagnosis of diabetes can seem overwhelming. Follow these tips to accept and cope with your condition.

Nearly 15 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and most of them have experienced feelings of denial somewhere along the way. In fact, denial is so common among diabetics that some doctors believe it's a natural part of eventually accepting the diagnosis.

However, denial can become a problem when diabetics fail to work with their health-care providers to form a manageable care routine or simply ignore their self-care guidelines. Follow these seven tips to better cope with the diagnosis and manage your condition.

Test regularly: While it may be inconvenient to check your blood glucose on a regular basis, it's an important part of diabetes care. Even if you think your glucose levels are fine because you feel good, it's better to test to ensure your levels are where they should be.

Quit smoking: Whether it's just a few cigarettes or a pack a day, youÂ’re putting your health in serious danger. According to the ADA, diabetics who smoke are three times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than non-smoking diabetics. And smoking as a means of weight control isn't an excuse, either; thatÂ’s what diet and exercise are for.

Follow your meal plan: If your doctor told you to see a dietician, don't avoid it. Making healthful changes to your diet is a key part of diabetes management. And remember, eating right doesn't have to be difficult—a dietician can help you plan meals suited to your individual health needs.

Don't forget your feet: Checking your feet is time-consuming, but it's extremely important. Forgetting to do so or avoiding it could result in some serious, life-altering complications. According to the ADA, more than 60 percent of nontraumatic, lower-limb amputations occur in people with diabetes. To prevent injury, be sure to wash and check your feet daily for indications of trouble—and call your doctor if anything seems suspicious.

Jot it down: Even the most mindful diabetics may occasionally have slip-ups, so be sure to write down your diabetes care routine and your health-care goals. If you understand why each task is important, you can remind yourself why you need to closely follow your plan.

Talk to the experts: If you're avoiding a particular part of your diabetes care program, talk to your doctor. If you're having issues with your food plan, talk to your dietician. These trained professionals can answer your questions and work with you to create sensible solutions.

Seek out support: Let your friends and family help you to stick with your plan. If your loved ones understand how you handle and manage your diabetes, they may even be interested in making their own positive lifestyle changes. And if you're feeling overwhelmed about your condition, talk to someone you trust. According to the ADA, stress may actually alter blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.

It was just few days ago was watching Tim Russet's TV show called " Meet The Press". He is well known journalist from MSNBC. He died day before father's day. It was so sudden death causes by hearth attack. And his funeral is today. It is on now at MSNBC live. Writting this post while watching it. While watching it. I am experiencing sad emotion.

We really do not not when death comes. We really not sure when we are going to die.We cannot expect what tomorrow will bring us. Life is so short. So, while we are living in this world. We need to make things worth while we are alive. Make it things better while living. Make your life worth while you can.

Reduce your risks by understanding your condition and the problems that can arise.

Although diabetes is a serious disease, it can generally be managed through a combination of diet, exercise, self-care techniques, and sometimes medication. In fact, with proper care, many patients lead long and fulfilling lives. When diabetics stray from their treatment guidelines, however, a variety of problems can result.

The disease can put you at risk for any or several of the following complications. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes, familiarize yourself with these potential problems, and talk to your health-care provider about ways to prevent them.

Heart Disease: Since diabetes comes with an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and circulatory problems, diabetics should be especially careful about controlling their cholesterol levels, maintaining healthy blood pressure, knowing the warning signs of a heart attack, and getting tested for heart and blood vessel disease. Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)/Kidney Transplantation: Diabetes can cause kidney damage and, if the kidneys lose the ability to filter out waste products, a condition known as nephropathy. To prevent kidney problems, the National Institutes of Health urges patients to talk to their doctors about their target blood glucose and blood pressure levels and to monitor those levels closely. Eye Complications: Diabetes can result in eye problems, which could eventually lead to blindness. Since people with diabetes have a higher risk of blindness than people without diabetes, early detection and treatment of eye problems can be sight-saving. Diabetic Neuropathy and Nerve Damage: Neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes, and it means the nerves that run throughout the body connecting the spinal cord to muscles, skin, blood vessels, and other organs have become damaged. Diabetics with neuropathy may have no symptoms; others may feel pain, tingling, or numbness. Depression: A sadness that lingers or feelings of constant hopelessness that last throughout the day for two weeks or more can be signs of serious depression. If you suspect that you are or a loved one is suffering from depression, contact your health-care provider as soon as possible so you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Preventing Foot ProblemsIn addition, diabetes can result in a number of foot and skin problems. Foot complications typically occur when there's nerve damage or poor blood flow in the feet. To avoid these issues, adhere to the following guidelines:

Check your feet every day. Look for red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters. Be active. Talk to your health-care provider about a physical activity program. Wash your feet every day. Remember to dry them carefully, especially between the toes. Keep your skin soft and smooth by rubbing a thin layer of lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet. Avoid the area between your toes. Wear shoes and socks all the time. Don't walk barefoot, and make sure your shoes fit well and are comfortable. Keep the blood flowing to your feet. When you're sitting, put your feet up, and wiggle your toes. Don't cross your legs for long periods of time.

Stopping Skin ComplicationsUp to one-third of diabetics will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some point in their lives. Sometimes, these problems are the first symptoms diabetics experience. Fortunately, if they're detected early, most skin conditions can be prevented or easily treated. The ADA also offers the following tips:

Keep skin clean and dry. Avoid exceedingly hot baths and showers. If you have dry skin, don't use bubble baths.Treat cuts as soon as you notice them. Wash minor cuts with soap and water. Avoid using alcohol and iodine to clean skin because they're too harsh. During cold, dry months, keep your house humid. If you can, bathe less often when the weather is dry.See a dermatologist about any skin problems you can't take care of on your own.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

There is always a trick to everything, including how to fill your plate at a buffet. Gaze at the foods there, find out what you like and where it is placed on the buffet, and keep the desert for last, even though it looks the best.;)

Work in reverse. Smart buffet operators position the cheapest stuff (bread, pasta salad, last week's lettuce) at the front of the table so you'll fill up on it. That's why savvy chowhounds start loading from the back end. Keep a low center of gravity. Remember your high school physics: Torque equals force times distance from the fulcrum - in this case, the plate center. Start by laying down a ballast of solid meat in the middle to prevent tipping. Reserve the outer rim for lighter fare. Think vertically. Diners squander valuable real estate by spreading salad alongside the entree. Get over your irrational feelings about different foods touching - it goes on top. Stick to flat or malleable foods. When stacked, meatballs and baked spuds behave like ball bearings. This can result in an embarrassing demo of kinetics. That's why God created Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes. Flood-control your sauces. Gravies are prone to sloshing, so ladle the stuff behind a mashed-potato levee - and hope it holds. You can also create a mashed-potato volcano, creating bowl of gravy that doesn't run into your other selections. Pocket the bread. Duh! That's what cargo pants are for.

* If you are trying to lose weight, you will probably want to avoid buffets. * If you get stuck having to go to one as part of a lunch date or other obligation where you need to impress, do exactly the opposite of what is listed above.

* Keep in mind that the last step, "pocket the bread" is meant in terms of your convenience in minimizing trips between the table and the buffet. While it's unlikely that anything bad will happen if you take bread home with you, it may appear greedy and rude if you are in polite company.

Plant feline repellent varieties of herbs, such as pennyroyal. Any herb with a pungent aroma will repel them, but pennyroyal particularly offends them. Lay weedblocker and use rocks to mulch. This will allow you to maintain your annuals, and will frustrate the cats because: rocks hurt their feet and they can't dig to cover.

You could also use mothballs spread evenly around the garden, but be aware that mothballs are made of napthalene, which is toxic to your plants, the cat, you, and everything else alive.

For the purposes of this article, a "significant other" is defined as someone with whom you are in an ongoing romantic relationship.

Be happy with yourself. This is the most important step. Take up a hobby, such as exercise, reading, or meditation, that makes you feel good and takes up a lot of time. Focus on improving yourself and being happy by yourself.

Construct a large group of friends. They need not be close, but you should have plenty of people whom you are comfortable talking to or going places with on a casual basis. Be friendly to people in places you frequent, so that you have several places that can feel like home if the empty apartment or house starts to bother you.Find work you love or learn to love your work. Focus on your work to feel fulfilled and increase your group of casual friends. Make sure to focus on doing a great job rather than getting the next promotion--promotions are rare enough that you could quickly become frustrated if that was your only goal.Do not ignore your need for physical gratification. Most adult stores will stock several supplies to soothe those needs. You will find that, with a little exploration and time, you can satisfy yourself faster and more thoroughly without a partner.If friends express concern over your single status or want to set you up on a date, explain calmly and confidently that you are happier by yourself. Understand that you are in the minority in this and that not everyone will understand.

If you do find someone that you are interested in, don't hesitate to ask them out just because you had planned on living without a significant other. You can always make exceptions.Take care of yourself before doing anything else.If you find yourself in need of enjoying physical pleasure with a partner, choose someone you are comfortable with but not interested in. Make sure they know that you are not interested in a relationship, and that they feel the same wa

Examine yourself. Do you not want to be in a relationship because your last one scarred you? Do you need time to get over something else? Don't live in the past.Don't be in a relationship just to not be alone. Don't be alone simply because of past experiences. Happiness starts from within.Avoid drugs or excessive drinking. Either could lead you to send the wrong signals to an interested partner or even lead you to do something you'll regret.

Monday, June 16, 2008

A range of dietary supplements and herbal medicines claim to offer new ways to prevent or treat prostate disease, and cancer in general. Some supplements show promise and are slowly gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine. But the benefits and risks of many products and practices remain unproved. Unfortunately, the production of these products isn't well regulated, and the amount of active ingredient may vary from bottle to bottle or even pill to pill.

Herbal products marketed to relieve common prostate problems, such as frequent urination or a weak urine flow, include:

African plum tree (Prunus africana)

African wild potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Hypoxis rooperi)

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)

Rye grass (Secale cereale)

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica, Urtica urens)

Taken in small to moderate amounts, these products appear to be safe. But they haven't been studied in large, long-term trials to confirm their safety or to prove they work.

Saw palmettoUnlike other herbal supplements, saw palmetto has been widely tested, and the results show promise in the treatment of urinary symptoms caused by prostate problems. However, it is important to know that saw palmetto is recommended to treat symptoms associated with benign prostate gland enlargement, not prostate cancer.

Saw palmetto works slowly. Most men begin to see an improvement in their urinary symptoms within one to three months. If after three months you haven't noticed any benefit from the product, it may not work for you. It appears safe to take saw palmetto indefinitely, but possible effects from long-term use are unknown. One drawback of this herb, and many other such herbal products, is that it may suppress PSA levels in your blood. This action can interfere with the effectiveness of the PSA test. That's why if you take saw palmetto or other herbal medicines, it's important to tell your doctor before having a PSA test.

Lacking scientific evidenceA few herbal and dietary products claim to help cure or prevent cancer. There's no scientific evidence that these products work, and some may be dangerous. Three popular "cancer-fighting" supplements include:

Chaparral. Also known as creosote bush or greasewood, chaparral (Larrea tridentata) comes from a desert shrub found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Research hasn't shown that the herb effectively treats cancer, and it can lead to irreversible liver failure.

PC-SPES. This mixture contains eight herbs that have been used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine to treat prostate issues and other health problems. Some studies show it may reduce cancer growth, but it can also cause side effects. It was sold as a dietary supplement, but is no longer being manufactured because some batches were found to contain prescription drug ingredients. While the individual herbs are still available, the PC-SPES mixture has not been reintroduced because further studies are needed to determine whether it's safe.

Shark cartilage. Shark cartilage contains a protein that has some ability to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels within tumors in sharks. Shark cartilage therapy is based on the theory that capsules containing shark cartilage will do the same in humans — stop and shrink cancerous tumors. However, these benefits haven't been shown in humans.

Talk with your doctor firstBecause it's not always easy to tell which products may be unsafe, interact negatively with other medications or affect your overall cancer treatment, it's best to talk with your doctor before you take any dietary or herbal product.

Okay, girls! Boys are not the most important things in our lives -here's how to enjoy life without a boyfriend.

Concentrate on your friends, family and school work for a bit. You're at school for a few years of your life and then you're working for about 40-50 years! Work hard now and you will find making money a lot easier when you are older. (Work smart, not hard, ladies - dig your ditches while you're young enough to do it with vigor, and life will present you with a lot more choices later. Ponder exactly why you want a boyfriend. Most of the time it is not because you feel any real emotion towards someone for who he really is, but because you are needing something to satisfy an emotional need, or even just to feed your ego. If you are the type to 'fall in love' with a guy you've known for only a few minutes, even though he's said nothing of value, try examining your own motives. Keep yourself busy! To keep your mind free of men, get some new hobbies and try new things! You never know, you could find something you really enjoy doing. Consider volunteer work at your church or local hospital. Seeing others with harder circumstances than having no boyfriend may help you appreciate the good things in your life.

* Times when you are between men can be some of the most rewarding and growth-oriented times of your life. Enjoy this time to find out about yourself, do as you please, go where you want when you feel like it without checking with someone first, and sleep whenever you want to! * Try a hobby - photography with a digital camera is fun and doesn't cost a lot to get started. A nice Nikon Coolpix or Canon or Sony Cybershot are great choices. Learn how to take great shots now, and you'll be ready for the next boyfriend/ Try scuba diving if you're athletic and live near the beach! Or karate, or kick boxing, or yoga! Consider oil or water color painting - especially if you've never tried it or think you're not artistic. Sweetie, it's just about YOU - nobody else is going to be watching you, and you might surprise yourself. * Read classic literature - you'd be surprised at how much more interesting you will be to others if you have a wider breadth of experience and culture. * Visit museums and see beautiful works of art and statues. It's good for your soul, and art is every bit as beautiful when you look at it by yourself as if some edgy boyfriend who just wants to get home to see the game is standing next to you. * Definitely spend lots of time with girlfriends and family - now is your time to do this! Go to movies, theme parks, dinner, or just coffee. * If you didn't realize it, all of the above are great ways to meet people, doofus - get off your tail and go out there into the world. If you still don't get it, go buy a copy of Liza With a 'Z' and listen to 'Ring Them Bells' until you do. Sitting around your house moping will not make your life better, or get you any closer to having someone to share your life with. * Consider having a girlfriend instead. Maybe the boyfriends aren't working out for a reason. ;)

* Don't be cold with men. Your male friends don't deserve to be treated coldly because you are bitter about not having a boyfriend. Its not fair to make every man you interact with the punching bag for frustrations you have with your own inadequacies. Misandry never helped anyone lead a happy life. * If you are too desperate, needy or bitter, you'd better memorize this, because you will be living without a boyfriend for the biggest part of your life.

Once you receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer or treatment for this disease, you may experience a range of feelings — including disbelief, fear, anger, anxiety, emptiness and depression. You may not be able to get rid of these distressing feelings. But you can find positive ways to deal with them so they don't dominate your life. The following strategies can help you cope with some of the difficulties of prostate cancer:

Be prepared. Ask your doctor questions and read about prostate cancer and its potential side effects. The fewer the surprises, the more quickly you'll adapt.

Maintain as normal a routine as you can. Don't let the cancer or side effects from treatment dominate your day. Try to follow the routine and lifestyle you had before learning of your cancer. Go back to work, take a trip, join your children or grandchildren on an outing. You need activities that give you a sense of purpose, fulfillment and meaning. But realize that initially you may have some limitations. Start slowly and gradually build your level of endurance.

Get plenty of exercise. Exercise helps fight depression and is a good way to relieve tension and aggression.

Open up to a friend, a family member or a counselor. Cancer is too heavy a load to carry alone. Sometimes it helps to talk with someone about your feelings and fears. The better you feel emotionally, the better you'll be able to physically cope with your illness. You may find joining a support group helpful, because it can provide you with a sense of belonging, give you an opportunity to talk with people who understand your situation and provide you with advice. Your doctor or someone you know who has experienced prostate cancer may be able to help you locate a support group.

Don't avoid sexual contact. Your natural reaction to impotence may be to avoid all sexual contact. Don't fall for this feeling. Touching, holding, hugging and caressing can become far more important to you and your partner. In fact, the closeness you develop in these actions can produce greater sexual intimacy than you've ever had before. There are many ways to express your sexuality.

Look for the positive. Cancer doesn't have to be an all-negative experience for you. Good can come out of it. Confrontation with cancer may lead you to grow emotionally and spiritually, to identify what really matters to you, to settle long-standing disputes and to spend more time with people important to you.

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